Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoscale, naturally occurring particles released by bacteria, increasingly recognised for their powerful immunomodulatory properties. This project aims to harness OMVs as a novel, cell-free platform to directly enhance immune responses, specifically targeting T cells, a unique subset of immune cells with inherent tumour-killing capabilities.

Our approach focuses on engineering and producing OMVs that can selectively interact with select T cells, priming them towards a more potent anti-cancer phenotype. By leveraging the intrinsic bioactivity of bacterial vesicles, we aim to activate key signalling pathways that enhance cytotoxicity, persistence, and tumour recognition.

A central aspect of this work is the development of strategies to load OMVs with therapeutic payloads. These may include small molecules, RNA-based agents, proteins, or novel immunomodulators designed to further amplify T cells and other immune cell functionality within the context of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This modular platform enables precise tuning of immune responses, opening new possibilities for targeted, scalable, and non-viral cancer therapies.

This research is being conducted in collaboration with UCL Engineering and the UCL Institute of Child Health, combining expertise in bioengineering, immunology, and translational medicine. Together, we aim to establish OMVs as a next-generation delivery system that bridges synthetic biology and immunotherapy, unlocking safer, more effective strategies to mobilise the immune system against cancer.